Why register as disabled?

A question about : Why register as disabled?

I read with interest the sticky on what the definition of disabled is, but I wonder what are the benefits of registering as disabled for older, retired people.

My wife, aged 78, broke her neck l6 months ago, leaving her with extremely limited movement in her right arm, shoulder and leg. Apart from medical attention (Physiotherapy) and attendence allowance, we get no help. I am 81 and get no carers allowance and because we have some savings, we have to pay a cleaner, gardener and handyman.

Would there be benefits in registering as disabled, and, if so, how does my wife go about it?

Any advice on sources of assistance would be gratefully received.

Best answers:

• You can no longer register as disabled. You used to be able to do so and you would be given a card. Most places asking for proof of disability now require proof that you get DLA or Attendence allowance or have a blue badge.
  Some companies are out of date and don't even know that there is no such thing anymore in the same way they think we have orange badges still - hence the confusion.
• There is no such thing as a disabled register any more, so no, it's not worth registering!
  I had a police statement taken off me and one of the questions on the 'equality measuring form' was are you registered disabled? I pointed out the fact of no register, so they're going to have to change it.
• The best link I know of for claiming DLA, incapacity benefit, employment & support allowance is https://www.benefitsandwork.co.uk/
• I was just wondering if i was entitled to a disabled parking badge/permit due to having a disability
• It is true that people who get the high rate mobility component of DLA automatically qualify for a blue badge (tho they still have to make the application and complete the relevant form)
  However, the criteria for getting a blue badge varies from area to area. Some will give a blue badge to people whose application is supported by their GP or some other health professional, even if they don't get DLA or AA.
  Blue badges are issued by your local council, so if you feel you need a blue badge it is worth asking for an application form to see what evidence your council requires.
• Thank you, all. No registration process to go through then. Having just gone through the Blue Badge application process, I can confirm that though the regulations are apparently laid down in Brussels, the interpretation is with local authorities. Here in Bromley they are at the moment very searching and thorough and expect to see evidence that an applicant cannot walk more than a few paces. Whether other authorities are as strict, I don't know.
• You can "register" as disabled with social services. In my area you have to be assessed and then they give you a yellow card, which entitles you to a free bus pass. I don't know if the rules are the same for different local councils.
• You are right, a few local authorities still operate a registration system, but most don't these days. Under the old registration system the definition of 'disabled' was much more restricted - basically you had to have a physical condition that meant that you had difficulty walking (hence the universal sign of a person in a wheelchair). Under the Disability Disacrimination Act 1995 the definition is much wider and encompasses people with illnesses and medical conditions that have a substantial adverse effect on their ability to carry out certain day to day tasks, so a person can be 'disabled' within the meaning of the DDA, even though their ability to walk is not affected.
  Once the DDA came in the registration system was dropped by most local authorities.
• [quote=Babshubbie;15200853]I read with interest the "sticky" on what the definition of disabled is, but I wonder what are the benefits of registering as disabled for older, retired people.
  My wife, aged 78, broke her neck l6 months ago, leaving her with extremely limited movement in her right arm, shoulder and leg. Apart from medical attention (Physiotherapy) and attendence allowance, we get no help. I am 81 and get no carers allowance and because we have some savings, we have to pay a cleaner, gardener and handyman.
  Would there be benefits in registering as disabled, and, if so, how does my wife go about it?
  Any advice on sources of assistance would be gratefully received.[When your wife applied for the Blue Badge she should have been assessed by the Social Services or perhaps called Adult services.You should ask them for a Carers Assessment you have a Statutory right to this.For some time I wasnt convinced of the value of this but in this area of West yorkshire it can now lead to some quite substantial cash benefits.They were issuing vouchers worth up to Ј300 per year but because people were finding it difficult to find people they could use the vouchers with they now give cash.
  They can also advise on respite provision perhaps for a few hours or maybe longer for which funding is also available.
  Whilst carers Allowance is only of advantage if you are entitled to means-tasted benefits through the Carers premium dont be too quick to wtite off Pension Credit because you have savings as the rules now are much more generous
• You can also get a blue badge if you are register blind or partially sighted. I have one for my son who is 9 years old and registered blind.
• In reply to Horace, I am registered partially-sighted and can no longer drive. You get free tax on a car that is used primarily for your benefit, so my hubbie is now my chauffer. He cannot use the car to travel back and fore work, (he takes train). By registering as partially-sighted I was able to claim a free bus pass, I have a CEA card for the cinema, (carer goes free). You are also able to get free loft and cavity wall insulation. I also get free eye tests.
  About blue badges, your doctor has to approve it. I have one as he said that it was dangerous for me to walk across car parks. I do also have mobility probs.
  Hope helps